Craft Silicon Ltd has through its foundation launched a free digital literacy programme for Children Homes to deepen digital inclusivity.
The Foundation chief executive officer, Priya Budhabhatti, who unveiled the program at Tumshangilieni Mtoto Home in Kabagare Loresho, Nairobi County, said the programme targets the marginalized and less fortunate communities.
Over 16,500 students have in the last five years been equipped with digital knowledge skills to enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
“We use solar-powered mobile computer buses to ensure computer education reach out to everyone at their doorsteps in environment friendly and sustainable manner without worrying of college fees and bus fare,” she added.
Mrs Budhabhatti, who also donated internet-enabled laptops to the home, said giving digital education to children and youth will spur innovation at an early age, thereby bridging the digital divide in the country.
The children will have an opportunity to learn the latest ICT trends and access information on the internet. The solar-powered bus will be visiting the children’s home twice a week for a digital literacy course that will boost their self-worth and confidence through performing arts, education and vocational skills.
She said the country and Africa at large still experience low and slow absorption of technology particularly the low-income earners and the marginalized areas and urged stakeholders in the sector to provide last mile access to technology.
Mrs Budhabhatti said the programme through the intervention of mobile computer buses, digital literacy and access to information technology in areas and communities poorly served with ICT infrastructure has increased tenth fold and there still more opportunities for growth.
“We plan to invest more in solar-powered computer buses and spread our wings to Tanzania, Ghana and India as part of our empowerment program for the youth, women, children and communities with digital knowledge and services,” she said.
